Ellson Education

Table of Contents

Letter of Introduction ...... 3

Ellson Leadership ...... 4

About Ellson Education ...... 5

Branch Locations ...... 10

Ellson’s English Summer Camp ...... 20

FAQs ...... 24

Useful Phrases ...... 38

Hi!

I'm John, and I'll be one of your primary contacts as you move forward in joining Ellson Education and making your way to China.

In this packet, I've compiled information about Ellson, our various branch cities, our All English Summer Camp, and some helpful tips for making China and Ellson your home away from home! I hope you'll find this information useful. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

On behalf of everyone at Ellson, I want to say how excited we are at the possibility of you joining our family and team! I look forward to talking with you further.

All best!

JOHN DERIENZO / Foreign Business & Training Director [email protected] / +1 828 719 6353

ELLSON EDUCATION +86 189 0311 3200 www.ellson.cn

LEADERSHIP

Our leadership visiting Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA From left: Daniel Zhang – Founder, Vice-Headmaster (Director of Academics); Samuel Zhang – Founder, Headmaster; Jamie Chen – Vice-Headmaster (Director of Teachers, Customer Relations Coordinator); Leo Zhao – Founder, Government and Business Relations Director

Using the Pearson Education curriculum set and the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) teaching methodology, Ellson Education strives to provide the very best in English language training for young learners, while also instilling them with a love for knowledge, a healthy sense of curiosity, and the moral and ethical values gained through social learning.

Ellson began in 2006 with the focus of bringing international-level English education to 3 through 16-year- olds in Shijiazhuang, China. Since its founding, thousands of students have trained at Ellson, with many receiving awards and national recognition while competing in high-profile English competitions around the country. Currently with over 10,000 students, over 200 employees, and 15 locations throughout Shijiazhuang, Chengdu, Xintai, and Beijing, Ellson is quickly being recognized as one of China’s best English training brands, and is among the most preferred brands by parents of young learners. At Ellson kids come first, and that’s our difference!

Each Ellson location features classrooms installed with state- of-the-art equipment, including air purifiers, projectors, and interactive white boards perfect for the hands-on learning style of Pearson Education's curriculum. In line with Pearson's motto, “Learn to Read, Read to Learn,” Ellson students also have access to each location's Book-Book Children's Library, which are filled with fun and educational literature to encourage growth through self-learning. In addition, Ellson’s Elite branches currently serve as models for Pearson's Melite English program throughout China, hosting classes for students twice a week so they are exposed to the full capabilities of the international, A-level curriculum.

BRAND CONCEPT

The Pearson "Learn to Read, Read to Learn" language philosophy, which aims to develop reading and self-motivated learning skills in students, uses the CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) interdisciplinary approach to language proficiency.

We use the best aspects of Reading Based Learning (RBL) and Project Based Learning (PBL), combining literature exploration, which encourages self-discovery and critical thinking, with content driven activities like crafts, games, and performances to ensure kids absorb and retain knowledge while having fun!

At Ellson, we understand that children learn best when they are fully engaged in each lesson, and so Ellson classrooms are synonymous with fun and happiness!

CLASSROOM ATMOSPHERE Ellson educators are trained and encouraged to include interactive elements in their lessons to engage and develop multiple areas at once, including listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. A typical Ellson class will include hands-on activities, songs, follow-along chants, games, and dramas, all to reinforce class concepts and teachings. These elements not only enhance English proficiency in a way that is fun and relatable, but they also encourage language practice in a relaxed environment which enhances student confidence, self- expression, and teamwork.

LANGUAGE LEARNING OUTLOOK

Speaking English well isn't simply a good test score, nor is it just the ability to say, “Hello! How are you?” True English proficiency is interdisciplinary and a lifelong learning process. Ellson students learn in an environment where they are exposed to English through Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Social Sciences.

Students learn to apply their knowledge of English in many different contexts, and are taught to value virtue and the expression of emotion with their language skills. By using English to develop each student's thinking skills and expose them to alternative perspectives and mutual understandings, we know that Ellson graduates will be prepared for their bright futures.

UNIVERSAL LEARNING CERTIFICATES

Ellson Education is a GESE international oral exam giver accredited by Trinity College London. Each Ellson location also holds certification from Pearson Education, Inc. as PTE General examination and training centers. Annually, we provide students with international learning standardized tests, and the PTE General certificate upon passing the PTE General Exam.

GESE Exam: The GESE English exam is one of the most authoritative evaluation examinations offered. Each exam is conducted with an examiner in a one on one interview. Evaluation categories include pronunciation, vocabulary, language comprehension, and grammar.

PTE Exam: The PTE Young Learners English Test (PTEYL) and Pearson Test of General English Examination (PTE General) are provided by education giant Pearson as a new evaluation system for English proficiency in an annual, worldwide examination. Unlike TOEFL or IELTS, PTE is the only comprehensive, international English examination for children, and is designed to reward positive achievement in English language learning.

The PTE General consists of two parts: a written paper and a spoken test, with writing accounting for 80% of the final grade, and oral for 20%. The written paper tests listening, reading comprehension and writing skills, and is marked by external examiners in the UK. The spoken test is assessed by trained local examiners and is sent to the UK for moderation.

International Partnerships

In March of 2017, Ellson Education finalized its official partnership with Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina and the Richard W. Riley College of Education. This partnership continually provides international opportunities for Winthrop faculty and students, particularly through summer internships and teaching opportunities that prioritize real-life experience in ESL classrooms with young learners. Additionally, Ellson students and faculty benefit from continued exposure to native English speakers and Stateside summer camps focusing on English proficiency and U.S. history and culture.

Branch Locations* BeiJing (北京) Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and the world's second most populous city proper and most populous capital city. Beijing Municipality is surrounded by Hebei Province with the exception of neighboring Tianjin Municipality to the southeast.

As a city combining both modern and traditional architecture, Beijing is a megacity rich in history, exemplified in its global influence in politics, economy, education, history, culture, and technology. Beijing is the second largest Chinese city by urban population after Shanghai and is the nation's political, cultural, and educational center. It is home to the headquarters of most of China's largest state-owned companies and is a major hub for the national highway, expressway, railway, and high-speed rail networks. The Beijing Capital International Airport has been the second busiest in the world by passenger traffic since 2010, and, as of 2016, the city's subway network is the busiest and second longest in the world, after Shanghai's subway system.

The city's history dates back three millennia. As the last of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Beijing has been the political center

*Information in this section compiled from Wikipedia.com

of the country for much of the past eight centuries. With mountains surrounding the inland city on three sides, in addition to the old inner and outer city walls, Beijing was strategically poised and developed to be the residence of the emperor and thus was the perfect location for the imperial capital. The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls and gates. Its art treasures and universities have made it center of culture and art in China.

Food and Attractions

Beijing has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites – The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven (right), Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Zhoukoudian, as well as parts of The Great Wall and the Grand Canal, all popular locations for tourism. Siheyuans, the city's traditional housing style, and hutongs, the narrow alleys between siheyuans, are major tourist attractions. The city hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and was chosen to host the 2022 Winter Olympics, making it the first city to ever host both Winter and Summer Olympics.

Beijing is also well known for its unique cuisine, chief among which stands Peking Duck: braised duck served with thin rice pancakes, green onions, and hoisin sauce to create delicious mini wraps. Braver souls can try DouZhier (right), a greyish-green bean soup with a distinct, sour flavor. Though loved by local Beijingers, even citizens from other Chinese cities sometimes find it hard to understand the appeal.

HeBei Province ShiJiaZhuang (石家庄) Shijiazhuang is the capital and largest city of North China's Hebei Province. Administratively a prefecture- level city, it is about 263 kilometers (163 mi) southwest of Beijing, and it administers eight districts, two county- level cities, and 12 counties. Though anywhere from 4 to 5 hours away from Beijing by car, Shijiazhuang is easily reached by bullet train in only 1 hour and 20 minutes.

At the 2013 census, Shijiazhuang had a total population of 12,763,700. Its total population ranked twelfth in mainland China. Shijiazhuang experienced dramatic growth after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The population of the metropolitan area has more than quadrupled in 30 years as a result of industrialization and infrastructural developments. From 2008 to 2011, Shijiazhuang implemented a three- year plan which concluded with the reorganization of the city, resulting in an increase of new green areas, buildings, and roads. A train station and airport were built, and a metro system was introduced in 2017. 13

Shijiazhuang is situated east of the Taihang Mountains, a mountain range extending over 400 kilometers from north to south with an average elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 meters (4,900 to 6,600 ft).

REGIONAL FOOD AND ATTRACTIONS:

Destinations of interest include LongXing Temple, featuring a 22-meter statue of the goddess, Guan Yin (right). Visitors can also visit ZhaoZhou, or Anji Bridge (left), the world's oldest open- spandrel, segmental arch bridge of stone construction and the oldest standing bridge in China. Finally, is Mount CangYan, located just outside Shijiazhuang and featured in movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

Popular foods include GangLu ShaoBing, wheat rolls topped with sesame seeds, baked in a cylinder oven by sticking the dough to the sides until crispy. HuiMin BaJi is delicious braised chicken sold with its head nestled to make it look like it’s sleeping! And LuRou HuoShao (left) are delicious flaky sandwiches stuffed with chopped onions, spicy green peppers, and donkey meat! 14

HanDan (邯郸) Handan is a prefecture-level city located in the southwestern part of Hebei province, China. It borders Xingtai on the north, and the provinces of Shanxi on the west, Henan on the south and Shandong on the east. At the 2010 census, its population was 9,174,683 inhabitants, in whom 2,845,790 lived in the metro area made of 3 urban districts: Handan and Yangyan counties, and Shahe City in Xintai municipality.

REGIONAL FOOD AND ATTRACTIONS:

Popular destinations include WaHuang, or Nuwa Palace (left), an ancient architectural complex built to honor the goddess Nuwa, creator of mankind and repairer of the Earth’s sky. Tourists also frequent the XiangTangShan Grottoes, featuring thousands of carved Buddhas from 550 A.D., and WuLing CongTai Terrace (above), an ancient royal training ground at the center of Handan.

Handan is known for JiZe Dried Peppers, but even more famously for CongTai Wine (right), a variety of baijou, which is fermented rice liquor similar in intensity to U.S. moonshine. 15

ShanDong Province XinTai (新泰) Xintai is a county-level city administered under Tai'an prefecture-level city, in central Shandong province, People's Republic of China. It is located about 50 kilometres (31 mi) to the southeast of the city of Tai'an. Xintai has a long history dating back to the origins of the Chinese civilization. In 1966, scientists concluded that a homo tooth fossil found in Xintai's Wuzhutai village belonged to a female teenager and that homo erectus were living in the area up to five million years ago. Moreover, many primitive social sites belonging to ancient cultures were found on both sides of the Chaiwen River after archaeological excavations.

REGIONAL FOOD AND ATTRACTIONS:

Xintai is know for the Lotus Mountain (right), comprised of ten peaks which give the appearance of a lotus flower. The area’s many ancient buildings contain more than 350 ancient inscriptions and rock carvings.

Shandong, or Lu cuisine, is one of the Eight Culinary Traditions of Chinese cuisine and one the Four Great Traditions, also comprised of Sichuan cuisine, Jiangsu cuisine, and Guangdong cuisine. Shandong cuisine specializes in quick frying with corn flour and using sugar and honey to crystallize fruit and vegetables. Xintai is part of the Jinan style of Shandong cuisine, which heavily incorporates the use of soups. 16

SiChuan Province ChengDu (成都) Chengdu is a sub-provincial city which has served as capital of China's Sichuan province. It is one of the three most populous cities in Western China (the other two are Chongqing and Xi'an). As of 2014, the administrative area houses 14,427,500 inhabitants, with an urban population of 10,152,632.

The surrounding Chengdu Plain is also known as the "Country of Heaven" and the "Land of Abundance". Its prehistoric settlers included the Sanxingdui culture. Founded by the state of Shu prior to its incorporation into China, Chengdu is unique as a major Chinese settlement that has maintained its name (nearly) unchanged throughout the imperial, republican, and communist eras. It was the capital of Liu Bei's Shu during the Three Kingdoms Era, as well as several other local kingdoms during the Middle Ages.

After the fall of Nanjing to the Japanese in 1937, Chengdu briefly served as the capital of China. It is now one of the most important economic, financial, commercial, cultural, transportation, and 17

communication centers in Western China. Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is one of the 30 busiest airports in the world, and Chengdu Railway Station is one of the six biggest in China. Chengdu also hosts many international companies and more than 12 consulates. More than 260 Fortune 500 companies have established branches in Chengdu.

REGIONAL FOOD AND ATTRACTIONS:

Chengdu has served as a significant culture hub for thousands of years. The city is well known for its literary, artistic, culinary, and educational history. Sichuan Opera (left) is only equaled in the Chinese theater world by Beijing Opera, and Chengdu is the culmination point of the world-famous Sichuan cuisine, known for its incredible flavor and spiciness. Chengdu is also an officially-recognized UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Chengdu Panda Base is a non-profit research and breeding facility for the giant panda (top), China’s national animal, and other rare or endangered animals. AnShun Bridge (previous page) is a famous covered bridge crossing the Jin River in Chengdu. Reconstructed in 2003, Anshun was one of several bridges written about by Marco Polo in the 13th century. JinLi is a 550-meter long street fashioned after Three Kingdoms Era architecture, offering many bars, inns, and souvenir shops for tourists. The LeShan Giant 18

Buddha (previous page) is a 71-meter statue and UNESCO World Heritage Site, thought to have been carved between 713 and 803 A.D. Chengdu is renowned for its teahouse culture (left), complete with bamboo furniture and jasmine tea served as a local specialty. Sichuan cuisine is so prolific throughout China and the world that many have encountered it without realizing, particularly with the dish GongBao Ji, or Kung Pao Chicken (right). Other famous dishes include DanDan Mian spicy noodles (b. left), MaPo DouFu spicy tofu, and SiChuan HouGou (b. right), a spicy hot pot, sometimes divided in the middle with one milder side. All of these dishes incorporate the infamous SiChuan Peppercorn (b. middle), a tiny spice that causes a hot, numbing sensation in your mouth!

ELLSON’s English Summer Camp Ellson’s English Summer Camp provides the perfect opportunity for students to continue English learning through the summer holiday. The focus of this camp is first and foremost fun! We want every student to leave each day with a big smile on their face, and for their parents to be smiling as well because they know their children have spent the day absorbing fantastic English knowledge. The camp is separate from the permanent teaching schedule and is led by temporary, visiting educators from our university partners. --- Ellson held its first summer camp in July of 2015. Five teachers from the United States traveled to China to expose the children to American culture, all while giving the kids the opportunity to learn from native English speakers. In 2017, Ellson and Winthrop University partnered to create a unique, cultural exchange internship for Winthrop students. Educators had the chance to experience Chinese home life and see some of China’s most famous landmarks, all while leading their own classes.

Each passing year since our inaugural camp has brought about exciting changes and improvements to our summer camp experience. We continue to make the camp even more fun and informative for our kids, while providing visiting educators with incredible cultural opportunities. 20

SCHEDULE

Though subject to change, the following is an example of the daily schedule for the camps. Educators might be given alternating individual schedules to allow for equal use of the rooms and resources, but the lunch period will always take place from 12 -2 PM for all classes.

9 – 9:15: Warm-Ups/Greetings 9:30 – 10:10: Class Time 1 10 Minute Break 10:20 – 11: Class Time 2 11– 11:55 Recess 5 Minute Break 12 – 2: Lunch Time/Rest 2 – 2:55: Craft Time 5 Minute Break 3 – 4: Guided & Solo Reading Time 4 – 4:50: Class Time 3 4:50 – 5: Classroom Clean-Up & Student Pickup

MATERIALS

Each educator is provided with a copy of the curriculum for their age group and the necessary materials for each day’s crafts and activities. Teachers of the younger children are also provided songs and videos to help keep kids active and entertained throughout the day.

Educators can use the provided curriculum at their own discretion throughout each day, and are encouraged to add their personal touch to each lesson. This could include adding to the PowerPoints, or even incorporating games and activities of their own design.

It is also recommended that teachers take the time to prepare examples of the day’s craft or activity ahead of time, as it’s easier to share directions with a visual aid. However, many students may try to copy your work exactly, so take the time to encourage individual creativity during craft time!

Most importantly, have fun and trust your intuition!

CULTURAL DAYS/TOURING

The camp offers a day off during each session to give the educators a chance to relax and experience China outside of the classrooms. This might include visiting an ancient temple or monastery, or even relaxing in some traditional hot springs for the day!

At the end of both sessions the teachers will travel to Beijing to see some of the most famous landmarks in all of China, include The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, and The Great Wall. We leave the Beijing touring until the end of the month to maximize the time everyone will have to sightsee and shop, and also for the convenience of having bags packed and ready for their flights home afterwards!

FAQs MOVING TO CHINA & WORKING FOR ELLSON 1. What makes Ellson different from other English teaching companies in China? - Ellson’s primary focus has always been quality education for our kids. Its founders and leadership were all teachers at one point, so they understand the importance of quality materials, training, and classroom support.

In contrast, the majority of private English schools in China are run by businessmen simply looking to capitalize on the demand for English training. Not only is their focus not on the student’s education, but it’s also not on enabling their teachers to be effective educators. Instead of seeing potential hires as talented, intelligent human beings, they perceive them as tools with desirable characteristics.

The first thing you’ll notice when you begin talking with us at Ellson is that we genuinely care and want you to feel as comfortable and well-equipped as possible. We know that happy teachers make for happy students. We also take our kids’ education very seriously, yet understand that as children they need to learn in an engaging way that helps them enjoy what they’re learning. We want them to succeed not just to win awards, but because we know it’ll mean they’ll grow up to be intelligent, open-minded leaders in whatever they do. It’s that level of care that truly makes Ellson different.

2. How much does Ellson offer teachers on a full-time contract? - The starting salary is 10,000 – 12,000 RMB per month, though contracts are drawn up on an individual basis determined by a person’s experience and qualifications. Raises are offered to deserving individuals at the start of each new contract year.

3. Does Ellson offer any other incentives in addition to salary? - Ellson covers the cost of airfare to China for new hires. There are also many other incentives, such as free board (excluding utilities), a Chinese healthcare plan, paid leave allowance, and free Chinese lessons through our company partner. Details can be found in an official contract, available to view upon request.

4. Will I have a roommate in the apartment Ellson provides? - For safety reasons, it is company policy for teachers of the same sex to share an apartment while working for Ellson.

5. Do I need TEFL certification to work for Ellson? - Yes, though Ellson will sponsor uncertified employees by compensating their TEFL costs through a program of Ellson’s choosing. This compensation will be given upon the employee’s arrival in China.

6. What visa will I apply for? - The Z work visa, unless explicitly stated otherwise by the company.

7. What documents will I need to bring to China? - You’ll need your passport, an official copy of your school transcript, an official copy of your college diploma, and a copy of your TEFL (or equivalent) certificate. Also, bring any documents that were required for your visa application. Having spare passport photos on hand is advisable, as well, along with spare copies of each of the previous documents.

8. What happens once I arrive in China? - You’ll be brought to the police station to apply for a residence permit, and also to a hospital to have a health evaluation performed. This includes urine and blood tests. In addition, you’ll begin training at your branch in preparation for your own classes.

9. What ages will I be teaching? / Can I choose which ages I’ll teach? - The Elite branches typically have students from ages 3 to 12. Individual class assignments will be determined according to the need of each branch.

10. What training is provided? - Each new hire will go through about 2 weeks of training, gaining exposure to the students and curriculum through class shadowing and demonstrations in front of the other teachers. Additionally, you’ll be briefed on Ellson classroom practices and methods before leaving for China. We’ll make sure you have

everything you need and feel comfortable in your position before giving you your own classes.

11. Will I have help in the classroom? - Of course! Every one of your classes will have an assigned teaching assistant who will help you prepare materials for class and assist you with the students. These TAs are teachers themselves and speak English, so you can always ask them for help or advice.

12. If I know Chinese, can I use it in the classroom? - We strongly discourage the use of Chinese in the classrooms, even by the TAs. Our parents have put their kids in Ellson classes to receive the very best in English education, so we want to maximize their English exposure during class time. Effective Ellson teachers use body language, visual aids, and repetition to get their point across if students have trouble understanding a concept. Only as a last resort should Chinese be used to explain something.

13. How much freedom do I have in planning my classes? - Ellson provides many different materials for you to utilize alongside the curriculum. Though we have a schedule for each unit (1 unit should cover 4 weeks), you have the freedom to incorporate your own ideas and teaching methods into each class. What’s more, because you’ll perform demos of a class in front of your peers, you’ll be able to get valuable feedback about your ideas and ask for advice from senior teachers. It’s a great environment for growth and innovation. Remember, Ellson is all about learning through fun interaction, so don’t hold back!

14. How long are classes? - Most classes throughout the week are an hour each. On Saturdays and Sundays, we offer two- hour classes, but these fall under a different format, where foreign teachers lead the class once per month instead of weekly.

15. What is the schedule for each week? - Mon – Tues: Off days (we offer some evening classes on these days. If you pick one up, you’ll be paid an additional 200 RMB per hour) - Wed – Fri: 2 PM – 8 PM (some classes end at 8:10 PM, due to scheduling) - Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM (some classes may begin at 8:30 AM, due to scheduling; some end at 6:10 PM)

16. How many hours will I be working a week? - 40 hours per week is the cap, though you may not always hit that mark due to events or holidays. This will not affect your pay. You will probably teach around 25-30 hours a week, on a consistent basis.

17. Will there be office hours? - Yes. Any period during the work hours listed (above) not in a class session should be considered office hours. During office hours, there may be times you’ll partner with a Chinese teacher to host a scripted marketing class for prospective students.

18. How will I receive my salary each month? - Someone from Ellson will assist you in opening a Chinese bank account once you arrive. You will receive a debit card and your salary will automatically be added to your account each month. Be sure to ask for online banking and for an online account to be made for you so that you can check your balance. This is also necessary to sign up for services like WeChat Pay, Alipay, TaoBao, Eleme, and many other sites that make living in China much easier.

19. Are taxes taken out of my salary? - The salary amount on your contract is the amount you will receive each month in your paycheck. Taxes have been preemptively deducted from your contract amount by the company. You are not personally responsible for any Chinese taxes. The taxes of your own country will be your responsibility.

20. What if I need help with something outside of school? - Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help! We understand moving to a new country is daunting, especially if you don’t know Chinese yet. Whether it’s help getting a Chinese phone plan, or even making a trip to the hospital, we’ll make sure someone is able to help you out.

21. As a permanent teacher, do I teach in Ellson’s summer camps? - No, though you may be asked to be present throughout the camp to assist the visiting educators.

22. What’s the weather like in China? - China is so large that it has one more time zone than the U.S. (though the whole country goes by Beijing time). Because of this, China has every climate you can think of! You should pack for hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

23. Can I send money back home from China? / Can I pay bills from China? - Presently, the Chinese government is very strict in policing money leaving the country. There are a few ways to send money home, including Western Union, but if you need to regularly send money overseas, we may be able to help set up a bank transfer system for you through a company accountant. Just ask and we’ll set something up for you.

24. Is it safe to eat/drink at most places in China? - Drinking tap water is unsafe in China. It’s necessary to at least boil water before consuming. Even then, it can hold unsafe levels of heavy metals, so we assist teachers in setting up filtered water delivery services. Food is safer because it’s been cooked, but just as in Western countries, not all restaurants are equal in their sanitation standards. You should be cautious when eating raw vegetables unless they’re served at a reputable restaurant. Though China’s street food is delicious, understand that sanitation standards may not be observed. In all likelihood, you’ll encounter stomach issues at some point in your stay, so bring the necessary medication with you for both constipation and diarrhea.

25. I heard the pollution in China is bad. Is this true? - Pollution is an ongoing issue in China due to the country’s high population and incredibly fast expansion rate. The Northeast, the heart of China’s government and economy, deals with smog and other polluting factors, though during the summer and fall the air quality is consistently better. It is highly recommended to purchase and use N99 rated face masks when air quality is not so great. Fortunately, the government is actively taking steps to counteract and reduce pollution in China in order to protect the population and showcase China’s natural beauty!

26. Do I need to be immunized before coming to China? - Consult with a doctor well in advance of coming to determine if you should receive immunization. It is generally advised to be immunized before traveling abroad.

27. What should I bring with me from my home country? - Every branch of Ellson Education is currently in a city where you’ll have access to a healthy variety of Western products. You can visit markets like Carrefour, YongHui, and BeiGuo to find varying selections of Western food, home goods, and hygiene products. On top of that, once you’ve established yourself with an Alipay account (similar to PayPal), you can use market sites like TaoBao or JD (the Chinese Ebay and Amazon) to find a greater selection of items. You’ll have to be mindful of counterfeiting, but one of your Chinese co-workers can help you learn what to look for and what to avoid.

That being said, there are items you should consider bringing with you if you happen to use them at home. Below are items that you should consider bringing to China:

-Moisturizers, cosmetics, anything for sensitive skin (Some Chinese beauty products have bleaching agents, so look for advertising claiming “whitening” before using) -Sunscreen -Stick/Gel-style deodorant -Razors, shaving cream -Western style tampons -Western style condoms and other contraceptives -Pepto-Bismol, Imodium -Prescription medications, allergy relief, birth control (ask your doctor about obtaining a year’s supply of any prescription medications before leaving your country) -Vitamins & supplements, sleeping aids, antacids -DayQuil, NyQuil, other cold medications -Neosporin, hand sanitizer -Mosquito repellant containing DEET -Aspirin, Tylenol, or other over-the-counter pain medications and fever reducers -Eye contacts -Any products specifically for ethnic skin or hair -Clothing and shoes for larger sizes

For when you first arrive, be sure to also pack: - N99 Air filter masks (3M, Cambridge, and Vogmask are widely used brands by expats) -Portable tissue packs (Many public restrooms don’t provide toilet paper) -Type I Converters (China has higher voltage which can damage your electronics. If your item comes with a built-in converter/dampener in the plug, you can simply use an adapter. Most laptop and cellphone chargers come equipped with these, and using your laptop USB port is a guaranteed safe way for charging phones and other electronics)

SUMMER CAMP

1. Will expenses be covered? / What expenses will be covered? / What expenses will not be covered? - What will be covered: Airline tickets; Meals (3 per day); Lodging; Cultural activities on the day off within each session; Travel to and from school; Travel to and from airport.

- What won’t be covered: Visa application and processing fees; Food and travel expenses outside of camp activities; Laundry services at hotels; Excess or overweight baggage fees.

2. Will educators receive a stipend? - No. Educators will be required to make a $500 security deposit in advance to secure their position, and this money will be returned to them in RMB upon arrival in Shijiazhuang.

3. Will there be cultural experiences planned for the educators? - Yes. Each session will have a day off, which will be a cultural trip within their city (visiting a temple, etc.)

4. Will there be other travel opportunities provided by Ellson? - Yes. There will be a three-day touring trip of Beijing, and educators will have the opportunity to visit landmarks like The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

5. Where will the educators be housed? - Educators will have accommodations at a hotel close to one of the branches.

6. Will educators have access to laundry services? - Hotels may provide laundry services, but this is usually provided at an additional charge not covered by Ellson. Expect to do washing in your room sink or tub.

7. Will transportation to and from the schools be provided? - Transportation to and from the school for the summer camp will be provided at the start and end of each work day, if necessary.

8. Who will the students report to while in China? - Educators will report to the branch manager of their assigned placement and any accompanying liaison. These are also the people the educators can report problems or concerns to. Our Vice- 34

Headmaster, Jamie Chen, will also be a primary contact while the educators are in China.

9. Will meals be covered? - Yes. Breakfast, lunch (provided at the school), and dinner. Please alert Ellson to any allergies or dietary restrictions well in advance of arriving in China. Bear in mind that the majority of Chinese cuisine is high in meat and grain consumption. In addition, it may be possible to receive a dinner budget if you wish to purchase food on your own in the evening. Any cost outside of the given budget will not be covered by Ellson. Snacks and water will also be available to the teachers in their branch each day.

10. Will the educators receive days off during their stay? - Each session will have one cultural day off, and there are three days for rest between the sessions. The end of the camp features 3 days of touring in Beijing for the educators.

11. Will the educators be required to form their own lessons? - Yes. A curriculum will be provided, but the educators have the freedom to shape their own classes. This includes bringing their own materials to China and formulating each day’s lesson to their unique teaching style. Educators are encouraged to formulate lesson outlines before coming to China, and should anticipate a degree of planning during the camp, as well.

12. How long is the camp? - The camp in total is 23 days long, from 9 AM to 5 PM each day. The commitment for the camp is the

entirety of July.

13. How many children in each class? - No more than 15. The final headcount per class may change depending on recruitment for the camps.

14. What ages will the camp host? - The camp will host children ages 5 through 12.

15. What is the schedule for the entire camp? - Tentatively as follows, though subject to change: June 30th: Arrive and travel to Shijiazhuang July 1st - 2nd: Rest days 3rd: Training Half-day 4th: 1st Session Starts 9th: Cultural Day 13th: End of Session 1 14th- 16th: Rest Days 17th: 2nd Session Start 21st: Cultural Day 26th: End Session 2 27th: Travel to Beijing 28th- 30th: Tour days 31st: Return flight

16. Besides my passport and documents, what should I bring with me to China? - We encourage you to pack light, and only the amount of luggage that you can carry yourself. Be sure to leave room for purchases you make while in China. You may also want to bring small gifts (representative of your country, state, or home town) for families who invite you out. It is Chinese custom to present your host with a gift, though families will not expect it of you. Educators are encouraged to plan ahead and bring classroom materials they would like to utilize during the camp.

As China is hot and humid during the summer months, choose clothing that is breathable and easily washed and dried in your hotel room. It’s recommended to bring one pair of comfortable shoes for the classroom, and another for general use. A lightweight windbreaker is a good article of clothing to bring along, as well as a backpack and water bottle. Small umbrellas are good for both rain and as a shade during touring. Type I power converters are a good purchase, as the higher voltage in China may harm your electronics. Refer to the list on page 27 for more suggestions.

Useful Phrases Below are some common words and phrases in Chinese (written) and Mandarin (spoken). The phonetic spelling of the Chinese characters is called Pinyin. Pronunciation may be a bit different than our English letters, so be sure to visit the link at the end of the section for correct pronunciation.

1. Hello! - 你好! (nǐ hǎo) 2. How are you? - 你好吗? (Nǐ hǎo ma?) 3. I’m well! And you? - 我很好！你呢？(Wǒ hěn hǎo! Nǐ ne?) 4. Goodbye! - 再见! (Zài jiàn) 5. Thank you! - 谢谢! (Xiè xiè) 6. You’re welcome – 不客气] (bú kèqi)/ 没关系 (méi guānxi) 7. I’m sorry - 对不起 (Duì bu qǐ) 8. This - 这个 (Zhè ge) 9. That - 那个 (Nà ge) 10. What is your name? - 你叫什么名字? (nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?) 11. I’m called…/My name is… - 我叫... (wǒ jiào ...) 38

12. Where are you from? - 你是哪国人? (nǐ shì nǎguórén?) 13. I’m from…/I’m… - 我是 ... 人 (wǒ shì ... rén) 14. America - 美国 (Měiguó) 15. China - 中国 (Zhōngguó) 16. North Carolina - 北卡罗来纳 (Běi kǎluóláinà) 17. South Carolina - 南卡罗来纳 (Nán kǎluóláinà) 18. Bathroom - 厕所 (cè suǒ) 19. Where is the bathroom? - 厕所在哪里? (cèsuǒ zài nǎli?) 20. How much money is this? - 这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshao qián?) 21. one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten - 一，二，三，四，五，六，七，八，九，十 (Yī, èr, sān, sì, wǔ, liù, qī, bā, jiǔ, shí) 22. Fifteen - 十五 (Shíwǔ) 23. Fifty - 五十 (Wǔshí) 24. I want this - 我要这个 (Wǒ yào zhège) 25. I want five - 我要五个 (Wǒ yào wǔ gè) 26. I want to go to this address – 我想去这个地址 (Wǒ xiǎng qù zhège dìzhǐ)

27. Help! - 救命啊! (jìumìng ā!) 28. I don’t understand -我听不懂 (wǒ tīngbùdǒng) 29. I understand - 我懂 (wǒ dǒng) 30. I don’t know - 我不知道 (wǒ bù zhīdào)

31. Cheers! - 干杯! (gān bēi!) For more phrases with audio, visit this website: http://www.omniglot.com/language/phrases/mandarin.php